Individuals who are outside of the United States may be able to request parole into the United States based on urgent humanitarian reasons or a significant public benefit. Parole allows an individual, who may be inadmissible or otherwise ineligible for admission into the United States, to be paroled into the United States for a temporary period. An individual who is paroled into the United States has not been formally admitted into the United States for purposes of immigration law.
There are urgent humanitarian or significant public benefit reasons for the beneficiary to be in the United States
The beneficiary merits a favorable exercise of discretion
Evidence of financial support while in the United States is provided
The purpose of parole can be accomplished within a specific, temporary period of time
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Regulatory Criteria
What Is Parole?
USCIS uses its discretion to authorize parole. The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) allows the secretary of homeland security to use their discretion to parole any alien applying for admission into the United States temporarily for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.
Examples
Parole allows temporary entry for individuals who may be inadmissible or ineligible for admission
Parolee has not been formally admitted for immigration law purposes
Parole is not intended to bypass normal visa processing or refugee channels
Parole typically granted for no more than 1 year, though longer periods possible
Parole ends when period expires, parolee departs U.S., or parolee acquires immigration status
Urgent Humanitarian Reasons
There is no statutory or regulatory definition of "urgent humanitarian reasons." USCIS officers look at all circumstances, including whether circumstances are pressing, the effect on the individual's welfare, and the degree of suffering that may result if parole is not authorized.
Examples
Critical medical treatment not available in beneficiary's country
Need to visit, assist, or support a family member at end-of-life stage of illness
Circumstances that are pressing and affect individual's welfare and well-being
Situations where denial would result in significant suffering
Significant Public Benefit
Parole based on significant public benefit includes, but is not limited to, law enforcement and national security reasons or foreign or domestic policy considerations.
Examples
Law enforcement purposes
National security reasons
Foreign or domestic policy considerations
Participation in legal proceedings (justice requires all relevant parties to participate)
Experimental treatment or medical trials benefiting larger U.S. community
Financial Support Requirement
An important factor in determining whether to authorize parole is whether the beneficiary will have a means of support while in the United States. Lack of evidence of financial support is a strong negative factor that may lead to denial.
Examples
Financial supporter must file Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support
Financial supporter may or may not be the petitioner
Must take into account HHS Federal poverty guidelines
Multiple financial supporters permitted if one alone cannot provide sufficient support
Beneficiary may self-support with own financial documentation
Nonprofit organizations or medical institutions may serve as financial supporters
Who Can Apply for Parole
You may request parole for yourself or for someone else by filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records.
Examples
Petitioner: Person completing Form I-131 for individual outside U.S.
Self-petitioner: Individual filing Form I-131 for themselves
Beneficiary: Individual outside U.S. who receives parole
Petitioner does not have to be U.S. resident or related to beneficiary
Parolee: Individual who is paroled into U.S. at port of entry
Length of Parole
If authorized, USCIS will specify the duration of parole for a temporary period of time to accomplish the purpose of the parole.
Examples
Duration specified to accomplish purpose of parole
Typically granted for no more than 1 year
May grant longer duration depending on reason for parole
Parole ends on expiration date, departure from U.S., or acquisition of immigration status
USCIS may place conditions on parole (e.g., reporting requirements)
USCIS may revoke parole at any time without notice
Employment Authorization
USCIS may, at its discretion, grant a parolee temporary employment authorization, if it is not inconsistent with the purpose and duration of their parole.
Examples
Employment authorization may be granted at USCIS discretion
Must not be inconsistent with purpose and duration of parole
Request by filing Form I-765 after being paroled into the United States
Discretionary Factors
USCIS exercises discretion on a case-by-case basis, evaluating positive factors against any negative factors present in the case.
Examples
Whether purpose can be accomplished within specific, temporary period
Urgent humanitarian reason or significant public benefit (positive factor)
Complete record evaluation
All circumstances considered on case-by-case basis
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Application Process
Determine Eligibility
Evaluate whether situation qualifies as urgent humanitarian or significant public benefit.
Secure Financial Supporter
Identify financial supporter(s) who can file Form I-134.
File Form I-131
Submit Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records.
Submit Form I-134
Financial supporter submits Declaration of Financial Support with evidence.
Provide Evidence
Submit documentation supporting urgent humanitarian or public benefit reasons.
USCIS Review
USCIS reviews request and exercises discretion on case-by-case basis.
Parole Authorization
If approved, receive parole document specifying duration and any conditions.
Enter at Port of Entry
Present parole document at U.S. port of entry to be paroled in.
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Key Benefits
Temporary entry into the United States for individuals otherwise inadmissible
Ability to address urgent humanitarian situations
Potential eligibility for employment authorization
Allows attendance at legal proceedings, medical treatment, or family emergencies
May be extended or renewed if circumstances warrant
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Documents Needed
Form I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records
Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support (from financial supporter)
Evidence of financial supporter's income (pay stubs, tax returns, employer letter)
Evidence of urgent humanitarian reasons (medical records, death certificates, court documents)
Evidence of significant public benefit (court summons, law enforcement letters)
Passport or travel document
Photographs as specified in form instructions
Evidence of relationship (if applicable)
Any additional evidence supporting the parole request
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between parole and a visa?
Parole allows temporary entry into the United States for individuals who may be inadmissible or otherwise ineligible for admission. Unlike a visa, parole does not constitute formal admission for immigration law purposes. Parole is not intended to bypass normal visa processing procedures.
How long can parole be granted?
USCIS typically grants parole for no more than 1 year, although parole may be granted for a longer duration depending on the reason. The duration is specified to accomplish the purpose of the parole.
Can I work in the United States on parole?
USCIS may, at its discretion, grant temporary employment authorization if it is not inconsistent with the purpose and duration of your parole. You may request employment authorization by filing Form I-765 after being paroled into the United States.
Who can serve as a financial supporter?
A financial supporter is an individual who agrees to provide financial support to the beneficiary. The supporter may be the petitioner or someone else. While there is no immigration status requirement, those with more permanent status (LPR or citizen) may more readily demonstrate ability to support. Multiple supporters are permitted, and nonprofit organizations may also serve as supporters.
What qualifies as urgent humanitarian reasons?
While there is no statutory definition, USCIS considers factors such as whether circumstances are pressing, the effect on the individual's welfare, and the degree of suffering if parole is denied. Examples include critical medical treatment or visiting a family member at end-of-life stage.
Can parole be revoked?
Yes. USCIS may revoke parole at any time and without notice if it determines that parole is no longer warranted or the parolee fails to comply with any conditions of parole.
Does this cover advance parole for people already in the U.S.?
No. This humanitarian parole is for individuals outside the United States. Those inside the U.S. who wish to travel temporarily and return should see Form I-131 instructions for advance parole or travel authorization.
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